Stepping back on  violence

Stepping Back on Violence

Step Back Think is a pioneering not-for-profit organisation focused on the prevention of social violence. Our mission to drive cultural change to end social violence is guided by our three pillars: Education, Awareness, and Partnerships & Advocacy. We take a public health approach to the prevention of social violence by educating young people, raising awareness, and creating change at an institutional level.

Step Back Think was created by a group of friends after James Macready-Bryan, known to his friends and family as MB, was left with permanent brain damage when a stranger attacked him on his 20th birthday. The one-punch assault on MB shattered his future, taking away his ability to move, talk and eat. MB’s story serves as a permanent reminder of the devastating consequences of social violence.

In term 2 Step Back Think presented to all the Year 9's about the impact of  social violence and during our recent Athletics Day students were given shoe laces to promote Lace up Against Social Violence.

Step Back Think defines social violence as interpersonal physical violence that occurs in a community setting. Such as pub brawls, assaults on the street and fights in the schoolyard.

We know that social violence is prevalent in the community, although it can often of unreported. Many instances of social violence result in serious injury and sometimes death. The harms extend the health and psychological consequences for the victim, with far reaching social, legal and economic costs to the broader community.